Bangalore-based Animal Biotech (Bangalore) Pvt Ltd has launched Boston Biologicals, a separate entity focused in the human health arena. The company will focus on research and development in the areas of immunology- immuno-therapy, immuno-modulation and immuno-chemicals. "It will also undertake advanced research in drug delivery, tissue targeting, non specific immunomodulating molecules and antisense molecules in Bangalore," informed Prof. S Krishnaswamy, director, Boston Biologicals and Animal Biotech (Bangalore) Pvt Ltd. "The Bangalore facility will work on three drugs for disease segments of cancer, diabetes and arthritis," said Dr P Manivasakam, director, Boston Biologicals, who was here in India from Boston to oversee the launch of the new company. Efforts are on to hire scientists for its research program. At a later stage, the company will also develop monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for diagnosis, therapy and research purposes. The company has attracted Prof. G Padmanabhan, former director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) as its scientific advisor and would be roping in a few more senior people informed Prof. Krishnaswamy.

Explaining the reason for the diversification, Prof. Krishnaswamy, said, "Animal Biotech is a decade old company focused in the animal health biotech market, which is an expanding field. The focus there is on research and production of branded feed products and unbranded supplements in bulk, besides being engaged in bio-feed supplements for shrimps. The company is also pursuing its research and scale-up efforts of diagnostic kits. And Boston Biologicals will be focused on human health."